A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak

Virginia’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery has been on fire of late with its limited editions. The annual Cask Strength releases, each impressive, have become instant unicorns, and the most recent Abraham Bowman, a rum-finished 15-year-old bourbon released in 2021, was similarly spot on. After a two year hiatus, Abraham Bowman has returned with the first in a new line dubbed the Oak Series. Kicking off that new lineup is French Oak, a 12-year-old whiskey fully matured in French oak casks, both charred and uncharred. Of note, the use of uncharred oak casks necessitates this be labeled just a whiskey instead of a bourbon.

Like all previous Abraham Bowman (and Cask Strength) releases, these bottles went to lottery for Virginia residents only, but we’re told this was a “larger” release than in the past (reportedly 2,000 bottles), meaning folks outside the Commonwealth may actually be able to find a bottle. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it likely won’t be priced anywhere close to the very reasonable suggested retail price below, not just because it’s an Abraham Bowman but because it’s one of the best Abraham Bowmans I’ve ever tasted.

The aroma is dark and elegantly spiced. Notes of caramelized sugar, warm gingerbread, and sandalwood ooze out of the glass, presenting like a well-aged rum. As it opens, dark fruits and sticky toffee emerge. Taken all together, it comes across almost as freshly baked Christmas cake with a healthy layer of gingery spices. On the palate, top notes of fig preserves and black cherry syrup are silky and sweet but remain expertly balanced across the sip, drying somewhat on the midpalate with buttery oak and subtle tannins before a flourish of Demerara sugar ushers in a long, warm finish of candied ginger, clove, butterscotch, and Biscoff cookies. Remarkable from top to bottom and unlike pretty much any American whiskey on the shelf today. An easy candidate for our Top 10 list this year. Happy hunting!